Shloka 18
समुद्रतट-प्रयाणम् तथा वेलावन-निवेशः
March to the Seacoast and Encampment at the Shore
यास्यामि बलमध्येऽहं बलौघमभिहर्षयन् ।अधिरुह्य हनूमन्त मैरावत मिवेश्वरः ।।।।
yāsyāmi balamadhye 'haṃ balaugham abhiharṣayan | adhiruhya hanūmantaṃ mairāvatam iveśvaraḥ ||
J’irai au milieu de l’armée, ranimant l’élan des troupes ; je monterai Hanumān, comme le Seigneur des dieux monte Airāvata.
"Like the lord of gods riding on Iravatam I would mount on Hanuman and reach the centre of the army encouraging the army."
FAQs
Dharma here is leadership-through-duty: the righteous leader does not remain apart but enters the center of action, strengthening others’ resolve rather than seeking personal safety.
Rāma outlines battle formation and movement toward Laṅkā, declaring how he will proceed with the vānaras—personally advancing while encouraging the troops.
Rāma’s inspiring courage and protective kingship: he motivates the army and leads from the front.